The current crises have left a gap in our imagination of the future. In the discourse, we increasingly hear that it is hope that is supposed to close this gap. But can it? A critical look at the phenomena of hope shows that hope is highly subjective, uncontrollable, and dependent on many factors. So, if hope is to be the answer to the question of the future, the questions of hope itself must not be suppressed. Religions in particular, which struggle to be able to interpret the future positively on the basis of their faith, are challenged by this and must come to terms with the desire, the belief in what is possible and the expectations in relation to these possibilities.